Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS as it is more commonly known, is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort or a bloated feeling. IBS is often characterised by periods of Diarrhea or constipation, sometimes individually, or alternately (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS often begins after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or, commonly, after a stressful life event.

Treatment for IBS can include dietary adjustments, medication and psychological therapy.

In IBS, routine clinical tests yield no abnormalities, though the bowels may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, and several conditions may mimick the effects of IBS such as Celiac Disease, chronic constipation and chronic functional abdominal pain.

The exact cause of IBS is unknown.

One of the many uses of aloe vera is in treating intestinal conditions such as IBS. Dr. Jeffrey Bland of the Linus Pauling Institute has produced extensive research on the benefits of aloe vera on the intestinal tract. This research found several beneficial effects, including increased protein digestion/absorption, and a greater volume of water in the stool - an important factor in reducing IBS.

Because Aloe vera is a natural substance it can gently correct intestinal tract problems that may cause irritable bowel and other intestinal disorders. This is great news for those who suffer from these embarrassing, and often debilitating conditions.

Irritable bowel syndrome and related symptoms can be difficult to treat, but using an oral aloe vera supplement like Aloeride® can help you find a simple, natural solution to your problems.

A Cautionary note

If you are currently experiencing abdominal pain, it is very important that you see a doctor. While Many relatively minor disorders can cause abdominal pain, so can several potentially fatal conditions, including appendicitis. Never try to diagnose your own abdominal pain; always get it checked out by a medical professional.

Some of the symptoms you may experience with intestinal disorders include constipation, diarrhea, urgent bowel movements, and lower back pain. Sufferers of IBS often find their lifestyles circumscribed by their illness, and find that some days their illness rules their lives.

As a natural treatment for IBS, Aloeride® works on several levels. By helping to cleanse and repair the lining of your digestive tract, Aloeride® restores natural function to your digestive/absorptive processes. This means that you get the proper nutrition from your food, which in turn allows your digestive system to utilise your food properly to its optimum capacity.

At the same time, because aloe vera is made up almost entirely of water, using Aloeride® on a regular basis helps to “regulate,” your stool, making sure it has the appropriate amount of water and bulking it up to help it move correctly through the digestive system. In some querters, there is a commonly held misconception, that aloe vera is a laxative and could cause constipation if taken in large quantities - something which is actually not true. In reality, Aloeride® does help to encourage digestive regularity and reduces constipation, a consequence of which may, to some people, seem like a laxative effect, but the real effect is to normalize your digestive system’s processes.

Many people who suffer from IBS don’t even visit their doctor, and many who do are told there is really nothing much that can be done. This is very unfortunate, as a regular intake of aloe vera, in capsule form like Aloeride® , can bring much needed balance to the intestinal system and aid the digestive transit so that IBS, and related problems, simply disappear. Aloeride®. in addition to being easy to take, is also non-allergenic and very well tolerated by the vast majority of people. Regular use of Aloeride® can completely eliminate the need to continue suffering from IBS.



Thanks to Dave Simpson for contributing this article to our IBS blog:

Crohns Disease And Ulcerative Colitis

Studies have shown a definite irritable bowel syndrome migraine link. In fact some studies brought to light that those with IBS are really getting a bum deal as they are also at a greater risk of suffering with migraines, depression and fibromyalgia.

The migraines are much the same as those experienced by non-IBS sufferers. Symptoms include: moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head; a pulsating or throbbing pain; pain that is worse whenever you are physically active; nausea with or without vomiting; and sensitivity to light or sound.

Thankfully there are some natural remedies that can be used for migraines. However you need to ensure that they do not interact with any medication or treatments you are taking for other Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, or for any other condition for that matter.

These include:

1. Feverfew is an herb that has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for migraines. It is said to be able to both prevent and treat migraines. However, it can cause abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and nervousness in some. Also, if you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) you should not take this herb.

2. 5-HTP, which is also known as 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a compound that your body produces. It is used for making serotonin and the melatonin. This is also available in the form of a supplement that comes from the seeds of an African plant, called Griffonia simplicifolia. Unfortunately, you will have to take this for between 4 to 6 months before it will become effective in reducing the severity and duration of your migraine headaches

3. Magnesium can naturally be found in leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Of course, it can also be taken as a supplement. It is known to help regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, it is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health. Studies have shown that magnesium can reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines by 42% when taken for 9 weeks. However, if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you should know that one of magnesium’s side effects is diarrhea, digestive irritation, nausea and loss of appetite. Also, you will need to be careful not to take this supplement while taking muscle relaxants

4. Butterbur is an herb that comes from a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe and parts of North America. It can be used to treat migraines as well as stomach cramps. This herb can help to prevent migraines within 2 to 4 months of when you begin taking it. The side effects include mild digestive complaints, which was mainly burping. However, you could also notice indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. You also should not take this herb if you are allergic to ragweed, as this herb is part of the ragweed plant family.

As you can see from the above list, you should always seek the advice of a nutritionist, dietician of your physician if you are going to seek an alternative course of treatment for migraine pain. They can consider your condition and personal circumstances and identify the best approach to resolve your irritable bowel syndrome migraine, as well as any other symptoms you may be suffering.



Thanks to Susan Reynolds for contributing this article to our IBS blog:

Cure For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Although irritable bowel syndrome or IBS for short is one of the most common ailments known to man, few know what it means when they encounter the term. Some have not even encountered the words in their lifetime.

What IBS is All About

Irritable bowel syndrome is the problem that people encounter when they have problems in their bowel movement. About 15 percent of people in the United States are affected by this condition, characterized by the abnormal movement of bowels. IBS is also known by other names such as spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis, which are all scientific and too technical terms for the layman to ever understand. In fact, the term irritable bowel syndrome is actually the most common of the terms being used for problems like this.

Symptoms of Ibs

Irritable bowel syndrome involves recurrent constipation, diarrhea and cramping in the abdomen. Some people who have ibs may also experience episodes of vomiting and nausea. Others will also experience dyspepsia and feelings of fullness because of problems in the digestion of food or in the transportation of food particles through the various parts of the digestive system.

Often, irritable bowel syndrome is correlated with stress. It seems that stressors can directly affect the functions of the abdomen, thereby causing IBS. Anxiety and panic attacks can also be a cause of Ibs.

Diagnosis as Last Resort

Diagnosing the presence of Ibs is only done when the possibility of problems in the various digestive and gastro-intestinal tracts have been ruled out. Examples of these problems are inflammatory bowel syndrome, presence of worms and other parasites in the intestine and sometimes even polyps.

When physicians are sure that nothing else is wrong in the digestive tract, ibs is then thought of. The reason why ibs is the last resort when diagnosing the problem is that it is mainly a functional problem and not something caused by developed disorders or parasites and bacteria. Most of the time, the problem lies in some parts of the gastro-intestinal tract, whether the muscles, the nerves that control the organs or even the organs themselves. When the problem is the nerves, further investigation is needed as the problem may lie inside the brain or in the spinal cord.

Another reason why ibs is diagnosed late is the fact that the problem cannot be seen through any specific microscopic test. Often, ibs is diagnosed only when there is not abnormality or problem that can be seen in tests.

Causes of IBS

As mentioned earlier, Ibs is believed to be the cause of an abnormality in the function of the digestive tract. Most experts point to the connection with the nerves that are found in the brain and in the spinal cord. It seems that problems arise in the transmission of messages from the brain to the muscles through these nerve fibers. Examples of the messages that are transmitted are actions that prompt the intestine to contract or relax. Another possibility is the role that sensory nerve fibers.

Curing IBS

Because the problem is largely functional and structural, there is actually no cure for the problem. The best that the physician can do for those suffering from IBS is to alleviate the symptoms of the problem. Doctors may prescribe the intake of food that are high in fiber or drinking antispasmodic drugs that can relieve constipation.



Thanks to Bob Janeway for contributing this article to our IBS blog:

Probiotics And Ibs

There are number of ways for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but one of the options that have been used for centuries is to use a herbal treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

There are a number of natural methods that can be incorporated at home to ease the symptoms, and some of these IBS home remedies have been used for centuries.

But, before we cover some of the options available, it is worth remembering that some of the more severe IBS symptoms may require an approach that involves medications or an over the counter treatment. Many over the counter or prescription drugs can deal with the symptoms of IBS rapidly, but it is then up to the individual to work out ways to regain control over IBS symptoms for long term recovery.

Here are some simple approaches that can be embraced immediately, which can start to show benefits quickly.

1) Drink plenty of water, a minimum of eight to ten glasses is very important to prevent dehydration, it replaces the fluids lost during bouts of diarrhea, and help soften the stool when constipation hits.

2) Have a diet rich in fibers. Try to have oat bran, which helps in the fight against intestinal problems. Try oat bran bread, oatmeal cookies or sprinkle bran on your breakfast in the mornings.

3) Consume vegetables like carrot and cabbage that would help in regulating constipation and diarrhea. They have excellent nutritional value and they fight against the bacteria without affecting the health. Cabbage can sometimes increase gassiness, if so then initially remove it from the diet and replace later when the symptoms are more under control.

4) Eat fruits like pears, which are high in fiber and are light, i.e. easily digestible. They can instantly do wonders.

5) Easily available fennel seeds, flaxseeds are helpful for removing the fats accumulated in the digestive tract. Depending on your preferences, you can sprinkle them over the salad or use them while preparing/cooking food.

6) Using peppermint oil or chamomile or primrose oil can also help digestion and remove gassiness.

7) Ginger, amla and trifala have been used for hundreds of years in India to ease intestinal problems. Now days, trifala capsules/tablets are easily available worldwide. So you should take the proper dose of these medicinal herbs and if possible consult your doctor to avoid any complications.

Continue reading to discover how you can sign up for our free IBS newsletter and find out about other natural ways to relieve IBS.

Before using these natural remedies, consult your physician, as certain herbs sometimes reduce the effect of medicines, which have been prescribed to you.

Herbal treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is only effective when the proper doses are taken otherwise they are likely to be ineffective. Irritable bowel is a disorder that needs your full attention and care. If any of the symptoms are ignored or timely treatment, whether natural or prescribed, is not given it can lead to high level of discomfort in the future.



Thanks to Susan Reynolds for contributing this article to our IBS blog:

Treatments For Ibs

There are many debates, which have been ongoing for a while, with regard to whether there is an irritable bowel syndrome candida connection.

Certainly if you were to look at both these ailments closely you would see that they appear to share a number of the same symptoms and can effect the same area of the body.

In fact, it has been discovered that people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are often are deficient in probiotics (friendly bacteria) from their digestive system, and the same has been found to be true for those suffering from a candida overgrowth.

As these friendly bacteria are vital for a healthy digestive system, maintaining a healthy immune system and keeping infection at bay any reduction in their volume should be taken seriously.

One of the reasons that candida can gain a foothold and start to multiply is not having a sufficient volume of “good” bacteria in the GI tract to suppress the Candida (yeast). It is then given an opportunity to grow unhindered.

Many people who have been diagnosed either with IBS or Candida will often need to alter their diet in order to help alleviate their symptoms.

Two of the main items that both groups of people eliminate from their diets are foods containing sugars and yeast, both of which help promote candida growth, and can impact on IBS symptoms.

Health professionals would suggest that there does not seem to be a relationship between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Candida.

They maintain the people at risk from candida are those who immune system has become suppressed either through illness or through the long term effects of taking particular kinds of medication.

However, this opinion is contradicted by many personal stores written in blogs and forums online that tell of how a person has improved their own symptoms by treating their IBS as if it was a candida infection.

At present there is no firm evidence to show what actually causes a person to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However people who have suffered from both Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Candida have found that when diagnosed and then treated for Candida they find that they experience a reduction in their Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.

So, until there is conclusive proof either way, it might be sensible to adopt a lifestyle that embraces the best of both candida and IBS natural treatments.

This would include changing your diet, reducing your intake of specific foods, including those containing sugar and yeast, and increasing your levels of good bacteria by including a probiotic supplement.

Continue reading to find out more about methods to naturally relieve candida symptoms and join our free newsletter.

So, even if the irritable bowel syndrome candida link is not yet proven by conventional medicine, there are steps you can take immediately to reduce symptoms.



Thanks to Jane Symms for contributing this article to our IBS blog:

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